Electric Vehicles (EV) Thread

[Nereus]

MG updates EV

https://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/review ... updates-ev

The 2022 ZS gets a pretty thorough refresh, although the pricing has yet to be revealed

MG will officially launch the updated ZS EV, which comes with increased performance and all-electric range of almost 400km, at the upcoming Bangkok International Motor Show later this month.

While the official online introduction of the 2022 ZS EV was held on Friday, retail pricing for the D and X trim levels will be announced at the motor show, which kicks off on March 23 at Muang Thong Thani.

It will be interesting to see whether MG will maintain the original 1.19 million baht pricing for this B-segment EV crossover, or raise it due to the updated features both in terms of design and performance.

Nevertheless, last week distributor MG Sales invited the media to see the updated ZS EV before the official launch, so here it goes.

Design-wise the ZS EV gets updates that give it a more serious look. The front grille has been replaced by a stylish panel that also houses the spring-loaded charging flap. All exterior lighting comprises LEDs, with the headlights featuring a combination of 21 LED units and coming with intelligent high beam function.

There is not much change at the side, except for the new 17-inch alloy wheels that come with plastic covers designed to improve aerodynamics, and a small chrome accent on the lower body.

The X trim gets full options including panoramic sunroof, roof spoiler and roof racks that can take up 75kg of load. The tailgate can be opened by pressing on the MG logo, but it is not electrically-powered, which is kind of ironic for an electric car.

The luggage capacity is 448 litres, which can be increased to 1,166 litres with the rear seats folded. Unfortunately, they don't fold completely flat, so it might be difficult to store and remove long and large objects. The charging equipment and spare wheel tools are located beneath the luggage compartment floor.

The interior is pretty neat, with soft carbon fibre-inspired upholstery and red stitching, D-shaped multi-function steering wheel with perforated leather upholstery and sporty front seats with six-way power adjustment for the driver. The door panels still have a good amount of plastics but the console offers lots of soft touch areas that give it a premium feel.

The dashboard features a new 7-inch virtual cluster replacing the old analogue one, and there's a 10-inch touchscreen with 360-degree parking camera. Customers also get the latest i-SMART system with Apple and Android phone compatibility, and a wireless charging pad under the centre console.

The i-SMART system, which can be updated online, provides a large number of advanced features such as vehicle check, battery information, charging station search, digital key, navigation, climate control, etc.

There are five USB ports offered around the cabin, while the climate control system is fully automatic, comes with PM2.5 filter and air vents for rear passengers.

In terms of performance, the 2022 ZS EV gets big changes, including a new electric motor that's more powerful, as well as a new 50.3kWh lithium-ion battery pack (up from 44.5kWh).

According to MG, the operating range of the ZS EV has been raised to over 400km, which should drop to about 320kms in real-life driving. A long-range version with a 70kWh battery boasting a 440km range is also available elsewhere, but currently not for the Thai market at this stage.

The new battery can be charged from 30-80% via a DC quick charger in 30 minutes, while 0-100% home charging takes 7 hours and 15 minutes. Cost for the MG Home Charger is approximately 60,000 baht, but it is usually offered free as a promotion. Customers will have to wait until the Motor Show to see whether it will be offered along with a purchase of the 2022 ZS EV. A cool feature in the new model is V2L (Vehicle to Load), which allows you to use the battery of the ZS EV to power external devices, for example air pumps, electric scooters or even another electric vehicle.

The new permanent magnet electric motor is capable of producing 177hp and 280Nm (down from 350Nm to lower electrical consumption). But MG says that it's still enough to propel the 1.6-tonne ZS EV from 0-100kph in 8.6secs while the top speed has gone up from the original 150kph to a more respectable 175kph.

There are three driving modes along with three levels of KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System).

In terms of safety, the ZS EV gets 5-star Euro NCAP crash test rating plus additional features. Autonomous Emergency Braking is now offered, while the new Emergency Lane Keeping System combines the previous lane departure warning and lane keeping assist systems.

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[Nereus]

Pure electric, still pure Volvo

https://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/review ... pure-volvo

The Volvo C40 Recharge is the first model in the company's history to be designed as pure electric only. The C40 Recharge is based on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), an advanced platform co-developed within the Geely Group which provides Volvo with the necessary economies of scale for this segment.

This Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric Fjord Blue was unveiled at a VIP preview event on Feb 25 to provide an exclusive opportunity to experience the new model before its first public appearance in March at the Bangkok International Motor Show.

Design

The CMA platform was intended specifically for compact crossover coupes to meet the driver's emotions and distinctiveness. The rear of the C40 Recharge features a striking design to go with the lower roofline, while the front design introduces a new face for electric Volvos and includes headlights with state-of-the-art pixel technology.

In the cabin, the Pure Electric offers a high seating position, which is favoured by many Volvo drivers, as well as a variety of distinctive colour and décor options. It is also the first Volvo to be completely leather-free.

The roofline of the crossover has been lowered to imitate the shape of a coupe, and the patch-style taillights complement the main light panel behind the car to precisely express a mix of modern and traditional design elements. The Aero Optimised Spoiler Panel enhances the attraction and appeal of the Pure Electric while also enhancing balance and road grip.

The front retains the identity of a Volvo, with a body-coloured cover grille adorned with the Volvo emblem. It is elegant and minimal, as is typical of Scandinavian design.

Performance

The Pure Electric has an all-wheel-drive system that produces up to 408hp and 660Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100kph in just 4.7secs. It is expected to have a range of roughly 500km per full charge using a battery that can be charged to 80% in around 37 minutes. The Pure Electric employs one-pedal drive technology to help accelerate and stop the vehicle, and it can go without hitting the start button.

Safety and Technology

With a 500kg battery but no combustion engine, the C40 Recharge's body structure is designed to absorb even more crash energy than an equivalent car with an ICE. The battery is protected by a safety cage, which consists of a frame of extruded aluminium and has been embedded in the middle of the car's body structure, creating a built-in crumple zone around it. The battery's placement on the floor of the car also has the benefit of lowering the centre of gravity for better protection against roll-overs. At the rear, the electric powertrain has been integrated into the body structure to realise a better distribution of collision forces away from the cabin. The C40 Recharge is also equipped with Volvo's latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, a modern, scalable active safety system that consists of an array of radars, cameras and ultrasonic sensors.

Infotainment

The C40 Recharge comes with one of the best infotainment systems on the market, jointly developed with Google and based on the Android operating system. It provides consumers with Google apps and services built-in, such as Google Maps, Google Assistant and the Google Play Store.

Unlimited data enables superior connectivity and the C40 Recharge can receive software updates over the air. This means it will continue to improve over time after it has left the factory, keeping continuously up to date with the latest technology.

The "Topography Translucent Decor" front console is inspired by the landscape of the Swedish mountains and is applied to three layers of various materials, creating a three-dimensional image of the glowing surface that adds to the cabin's uniqueness.

The C40 Recharge Pure Electric is priced at 2.75 million baht.

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[Dannie Boy]

The MG ZS upgrade is the same as has been available in the UK for about a year - the prices increased there, so I assume the same will happen here!!

[KhunLA]

I'd be surprised if price will increase. MG has updated their TH site, no English yet, and no price.
Can reserve for 10k deposit = 20k off MSRP w/deliveries in July ???

2022 Battery is larger 50.3Kw, no mention of the 70Kw version.
UK/EU battery warranty is 7 yrs / 80k miles, I think, listed on non MG site
TH battery warranty is 8 yrs / 180k kms, listed on MG site

MG claims a range of 403 kms (NEDC) and 320 kms (WLTP)
NEDC = Not Even Damn Close
I would expect normal highway driving (90-120 kph) range = 200-250 kms or less

I did submit a quote request for D model
X model having sunroof + more electronics

Anyone interested in an EV should read this: http://tiny.cc/tpkpuz

[STEVE G]

What I want in Thailand is an electric car for local driving, going to the shops, for getting to my daily walk on the beach and that kind of thing. Basically something that's safer and more weather proof than a scooter.
I've already got two vehicles for driving long distance or carrying loads or whatever and I've got plenty of parking, so one more wouldn't matter.
There are many electric cars available in Europe that would do the job but Thailand is way behind.

[handdrummer]

The Volvo is designed "to meet the driver's emotions?" Does that include road rage?

[Dannie Boy]

What I want in Thailand is an electric car for local driving, going to the shops, for getting to my daily walk on the beach and that kind of thing. Basically something that's safer and more weather proof than a scooter.
I've already got two vehicles for driving long distance or carrying loads or whatever and I've got plenty of parking, so one more wouldn't matter.
There are many electric cars available in Europe that would do the job but Thailand is way behind.

If that’s all you’re looking for, then the MG ZS should suit you fine and it won’t break the bank in the process.

[KhunLA]

What I want in Thailand is an electric car for local driving, going to the shops, for getting to my daily walk on the beach and that kind of thing. Basically something that's safer and more weather proof than a scooter.

Pocco or Wuling ... https://www.autofun.co.th/news/%E0%B9%8 ... 8%93-37641

[hhinner]

Don't know what EVs GWM offers in Thailand but their HH showroom will be opening soon.

[KhunLA]

GWM: ORA Good Cat (BEV) - Jolion & HAVAL H6 (Hybrids)
https://www.gwm.co.th/

[Dannie Boy]

The ORA Good Cat (strange name) is soon to be available in the UK and priced at about £25,000 so the price in Thailand starting from Under 1m Baht is cheaper and even the top range with a claimed 500 km range is 1.2m Baht (£27,500) so pretty competitive compared with the MG ZS


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[STEVE G]

What I want in Thailand is an electric car for local driving, going to the shops, for getting to my daily walk on the beach and that kind of thing. Basically something that's safer and more weather proof than a scooter.

Pocco or Wuling ... https://www.autofun.co.th/news/%E0%B9%8 ... 8%93-37641

Something like that would work but I would prefer a small four seater.
Actually things do seem to be picking up in Thailand, a combination of a Chinese trade deal and advantageous tax on electric vehicles is starting to open up the market.
The Japanese are about to throw away their lead in the Thai auto sector if they don't get moving.

[handdrummer]

GWM: ORA Good Cat (BEV) - Jolion & HAVAL H6 (Hybrids)
https://www.gwm.co.th/

1,199000 baht.

[KhunLA]

GWM: ORA Good Cat (BEV) - Jolion & HAVAL H6 (Hybrids)
https://www.gwm.co.th/

1,199000 baht.

Ora Good Cat starts at 989k

[pharvey]

Electric? Oh, they're all coming - but not just yet.....
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